Contraception has been a concern for humans throughout history, as the desire to prevent unwanted pregnancies dates back centuries. Over time, various cultures have developed unique and sometimes bizarre contraception methods to control fertility.

From ancient herbs to peculiar devices, here are some of the most unusual contraception techniques used throughout history.

1. Ancient Egypt: Crocodile Dung Suppositories

Ancient Egyptians had their own version of contraception, which involved using crocodile dung as a suppository. It was believed that the pungent smell of the dung could ward off sperm and prevent pregnancy.

2. Ancient Greece: Silphium Herb

The ancient Greeks used a herb called silphium as a contraceptive, which was so highly valued that it eventually went extinct. Silphium was believed to have contraceptive properties and was extremely effective as a form of birth control.

The herb was also used for various other medical purposes.

3. Renaissance Italy: Lemon Condoms

In Renaissance Italy, men used lemon halves as rudimentary condoms. They would insert their penis into the hollowed-out lemon to protect against unwanted pregnancies. The acidity of lemon was believed to act as a spermicide.

4. Colonial America: Honey and Camel’s Testicles

In colonial America, women sometimes used a mixture of honey and alcohol as a vaginal spermicide. Additionally, some women believed that wearing a pouch filled with a dried camel’s testicles around their neck would prevent pregnancy.

It was believed that the testicles had fertility-reducing properties.

5. 19th-century Japan: Lactating Nurses

In 19th-century Japan, couples employed a rather unconventional contraception method. They would hire a lactating nurse to breastfeed the child for an extended period.

The idea was that the nurse’s breastfeeding would suppress the mother’s fertility.

6. Victorian Era: Bicycle Seats

During the Victorian era, some people thought that riding bicycles on bumpy terrain could prevent pregnancy.

This notion arose from the belief that the jarring motion of riding a bicycle could cause the uterus to become dislodged, making it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant.

7. Ancient India: Stale Elephant Dung

In ancient India, women were advised to smear their vaginal canal with stale elephant dung as a form of contraception. This unorthodox method was thought to create an inhospitable environment for sperm.

8. Tudor England: Weasel Testicles

In Tudor England, women believed that carrying the testicles of a male weasel in their pocket would prevent pregnancy. It was believed that the weasel’s testicles had contraceptive properties.

9. Early 20th Century: Lysol

In the early 20th century, Lysol, a household disinfectant, was marketed as a contraceptive douche. However, it had no contraceptive properties and was highly irritant, causing harm to many women who used it for birth control.

10. Ancient China: Mercury

Ancient Chinese women would consume mercury as a form of birth control. This dangerous method was believed to disrupt fertility, but it caused severe health issues, including mercury poisoning.

Throughout history, people have employed a range of bizarre and unconventional contraception techniques in their efforts to prevent unwanted pregnancies. While some methods had a basis in traditional folklore, others were purely experimental.

Thankfully, advancements in modern medicine have provided safer and more effective options for contraception today.